‘No more protesters’ roadblock’

THESE are trying times for protesters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Anyone intending to stage a protest at the seat of power must think again. Those who protested the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok nearly three months ago were shocked to hear of a swift police order banning such activities in the FCT. That directive by the Territory’s Police Commissioner Mr. Joseph Mbu was later vacated by higher authorities but everybody took a hint.

Now, FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed has cautioned individuals, communities and groups to desist from taking any action that would hamper free movement of persons and vehicles, such as deliberate blockade of traffic on highways and roads.

The minister gave the warning during a meeting with some original inhabitants of the FCT under the aegis of Greater Gbagyi Development Association.

Those who attended the meeting included some original inhabitants of Abuja from the Airport Road axis, the Chairperson of the FCT chapter of National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), the Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Forum and some officials of Greater Gbagyi Development Association.

They pleaded for the minister’s intervention to secure the release of those arrested by security operatives in connection with the protest which resulted in the blockade of the ever-busy Zuba-Kubwa-Abuja City Super Expressway for over four hours recently.

Referring to the alleged recent blockade of the expressway by some people protesting the demolition of structures at Lungu Village and a similar action on the Abuja Airport Highway about a month earlier by protesters, the minister stated that such unlawful tendencies would no longer be allowed by government and the law enforcement organs.

According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the minister, Nosike Ogbuenyi, the minister said any person or group of persons who decided to take the law into their own hands by preventing the vast majority of law-abiding residents from going about their legitimate activities would face the full wrath of the law.

According to him, those behind the blockade of Kubwa Express Road have been arrested and would soon be arraigned in court.

He said the administration, in conjunction with security agencies, will prosecute the culprits to serve as deterrent to others.

While admitting that individuals will have their rights to express their grievances through protests, the minister cautioned that such should not be taken to the extent of holding the entire society to ransom as was the case with the blockade of major entry/exit routes to the Federal Capital City.

Recall that the alleged mastermind of the false rumour that a mother and her child were killed during the recent demolition of illegal structures at Lungu Village, Gwarinpa, one Mr. Yunusa Ahmadu Yusuf and the Chief of Lungu Village, Mr. Ezekiel Sanya Zakka (aka Easy) were arrested last week by security agents.

They were, however, granted bail by police following the intervention of Senator Mohammed.

They will, however, be arraigned in court and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the land.

Yusuf was said to have been arrested in his village in Kaduna State while the Zakka was picked up at Lungu Village.

The former had been parading himself as an Abuja Original Inhabitant.

The two men were nabbed for their roles in peddling the false rumour of death and incitement that led to violent protests and blockade of the Zuba/Kubwa/Abuja City Express Road resulting in damage of public facilities.

The bail of Zakka and Yusuf followed the minister’s acceptance of an apology tendered on their behalf by the Original Inhabitants of Abuja living on the Airport Road axis and some officials of Greater Gbagyi Development Association.

The minister warned FCT residents against all forms of lawlessness such as blockade of roads and highways in the FCT and peddling of lies with a view to inciting the people and blackmailing the authorities.

Describing the baseless allegations of deaths as callous, the minister stated that the action demonstrates the extent some people could go to cause disaffection in pursuit of selfish purpose.

Senator Mohammed urged the Commissioner of Police to prosecute all those found culpable in the unjustified incitement, even as he warned all residents, including original inhabitants not to do anything that will cause disaffection in the society.

He reiterated the position of the FCT Administration not to demolish houses belonging to original inhabitants of the FCT that were enumerated and captured in official data, adding that if in the cause of demolition, any of such houses is demolished, adequate remedy would be provided.

He stated that nobody should do anything to hold the entire country to ransom, while warning the original inhabitants to be wary of the people they habour in their various settlements.

According to him, he was aware that some original inhabitants were providing cover to strangers that they could not vouch for.